In regards to online bookmakers in California, it’s important to understand the current climate surrounding gambling in the state. While California is renowned for its poker rooms and Native American casinos, offering ample opportunities for traditional brick and mortar gaming, the availability of online bookmakers and internet casinos is limited. Despite the lack of regulation in the state, residents can still access reputable, properly licensed online bookmakers from other jurisdictions.
To assist in your search, we have compiled a carefully curated list of the most trustworthy California online bookmakers available. Although they may not be licensed within the state, they hold valid licenses in their respective jurisdictions.
- Friendly odds
- User-Friendly Interface
- Promotions and bonuses with a generous offering
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- USA friendly
- Crypto friendly
- Smooth interface
- Painless sign-up process
One fully successful deposit.
Card deposits have a 7 days wait period.
Minimum Withdrawal $100. Bitcoin $25
Time frame is 2 days approximately;
At least 1x rollover for deposit and all rollover from bonuses redeemed;
One withdrawal per week per method;
SMS Phone and/or Personal documents verified;
Sports and Casino withdrawals are limited to $10,000 per week (Bitcoin: $5,000 and Bank Wire: $5,000)
- Cryptocurrency friendly
- Rec-friendly sportsbook lines
- Welcome bonuses are generous
- Anonymity
- Lightning fast withdrawals
- Slick user experience
- Impressive live betting
- Poker, Casino
- Overround 4.97%
- In business since 1994
- Crypto friendly
- Competitive odds and lines (rare!)
- Huge bonuses
You will receive a 125% bonus on your qualifying first deposit.
125% sports bonus, up to $2,500, 10X rollover
In order to receive a bonus you must use the promo code JOIN125 in the cashier while making your deposit.
This promotion is non-transferable.
Sports bonuses can only be used in the sportsbook, casino freeplays in the casino.
BetUS reserves the right to alter or amend the terms and conditions of this promotion at any time without notice.
Please see BetUS’ general rules for additional terms and conditions regarding bonuses
- Honest reputation
- US Friendly
- Track record
- High betting limits
- Professionals welcome
2. Wagering Requirements: Bonuses are subject to wagering requirements, which specify the amount of money that must be wagered before a withdrawal can be made. Wagering requirements vary depending on the bonus and can range from 5x to 15x the bonus amount.
Ah, California – the Golden State, where the sun shines bright and the opportunities are endless. But, what about when it comes to online gambling, you might ask? Well, let’s just say that the sunshine doesn’t extend to the virtual world of betting. Despite having a population of over 40 million residents and a reputation for being liberal on many laws, online sports betting in California still remains in a gray area.
Legislation on Online Gambling in California
There may not be any specific legislation in place when it comes to online gambling in California, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a free-for-all. The truth is, residents are only able to engage in brick and mortar gambling, with options limited to poker rooms and Native American casinos.
Online sportsbooks provide an excellent option for California residents who are interested in sports betting, given that they do not violate any state laws since there are currently no specific gambling laws in place. Moreover, online sportsbooks are user-friendly and secure, with top-rated sportsbooks such as Bovada and BetUS offering competitive odds and bonuses to keep loyal bettors satisfied.
Even as the timeline for sports betting legalization in California remains uncertain, online sportsbooks provide a viable means for sports enthusiasts to engage in the action. Whether it is in 2023 or beyond, bettors can still take advantage of the services offered by online sportsbooks to fulfill their sports betting desires.
Efforts by California’s tribes to legalize sports betting
The primary ballot initiative presented to voters in November 2022 pertained to a tribal initiative. This initiative aimed to permit sports betting at tribal casinos and horse tracks located across the state. However, a significant drawback of this initiative was its failure to allow licensing for any online sports betting sites within the state. As a result, bettors would still have to rely on offshore sportsbooks, and no new licenses would be granted. Additionally, the initiative stipulated a five-year timeline for mobile betting.
California is a vast state, and hence, visiting a tribal casino may not always be feasible, rendering the initiative somewhat impractical. Furthermore, the initiative fails to extend sports betting to card rooms, which the tribes have argued violate their compacts.
Sports Betting: A Sport for Other States
When it comes to sports betting, the situation is quite grim, to say the least. Despite the recent strike down of the federal ban on sports betting by the United States Government, California has yet to jump on the bandwagon. In fact, it could be years before sports betting becomes legal in the state. So, until then, sports betting operators will have to take their business elsewhere and punters will have to do their wagering in other states.
California’s Taxation Policy on Sports Betting Winnings
In the state of California, all earnings from sports betting are subject to taxation and must be reported as taxable income. According to state law, gambling winnings, including sports betting, must be reported on both state and federal tax returns, regardless of whether they were earned in-state or out-of-state.
The tax rate for gambling winnings in California varies depending on several factors, including total income and filing status. Additionally, individuals must report any losses incurred from gambling activities, which can be used to offset their taxable winnings.
It’s worth noting that sportsbooks and other gambling establishments are required to report any winnings of $600 or more to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This means that even if you do not receive a Form W-2G, which is typically used to report gambling winnings, you are still obligated to report any winnings on your tax return.
To avoid potential penalties and fines, it’s essential to maintain accurate records of all sports betting activities, including winnings and losses. Seeking advice from a tax professional can be beneficial in navigating the complex tax regulations surrounding gambling activities in California.
The tax brackets for federal income tax in the United States for tax year 2021 are as follows:
- 10% on taxable income up to $9,950 for single filers; up to $19,900 for married filing jointly
- 12% on taxable income over $9,950 to $40,525 for single filers; over $19,900 to $81,050 for married filing jointly
- 22% on taxable income over $40,525 to $86,375 for single filers; over $81,050 to $172,750 for married filing jointly
- 24% on taxable income over $86,375 to $164,925 for single filers; over $172,750 to $329,850 for married filing jointly
- 32% on taxable income over $164,925 to $209,425 for single filers; over $329,850 to $418,850 for married filing jointly
- 35% on taxable income over $209,425 to $523,600 for single filers; over $418,850 to $628,300 for married filing jointly
- 37% on taxable income over $523,600 for single filers; over $628,300 for married filing jointly
It is crucial to recognize that tax brackets are subject to revision on an annual basis and can be affected by multiple factors, such as filing status and regional regulations. Furthermore, certain states have implemented their own tax brackets and rates, which may deviate from federal guidelines. To ensure that you are fulfilling your tax obligations and reporting your income correctly, it is advisable to seek guidance from a tax professional or leverage tax preparation software. By doing so, you can ensure that you are in compliance with all relevant tax laws and regulations, and avoid any potential penalties or legal repercussions.
Bonuses Offered by Sportsbooks in California
For those who prefer not to overlook freebies, this guide can provide valuable knowledge. The sports betting industry is highly competitive, and online sportsbooks are in a constant battle to attract and retain customers. As a result, they offer numerous promotions, bonuses, and free items to entice potential customers and maintain long-term relationships.
In this guide, we will outline the various types of promotions and how they function, as well as offer advice on how to stay informed about new promotions and take advantage of all that is available. By understanding these promotions and how to use them, you can maximize your profits and make the most out of your online sports betting experience.
- No Deposit Bonus: This type of bonus is available to players as soon as they create an account, without the need for a deposit. While the amounts are usually small (between $20-$50), they can help players get started with a new online sportsbook account.
- Deposit Bonus: This bonus is offered when a player makes their first deposit and is usually a percentage match up to a certain amount of money. For instance, MyBookie offers a 50% deposit match up to $1,000, which means players must deposit $2,000 to receive the full $1,000. There is typically a 10x wagering requirement that must be met before bonus funds can be withdrawn.
- Reload Bonus: Similar to the deposit bonus, this bonus is offered to players who make additional deposits and is often a percentage match up to a certain amount of money. MyBookie offers a 25% match up to $500 with a 5x wagering requirement.
- Rebate Bonus: This type of bonus offers a percentage of a player’s losses back to them as a form of rebate. The percentage offered varies depending on the sportsbook, with most offering between 8% to 12%. For instance, MyBookie offers a 7% rebate bonus on horse race betting.
- Risk-Free/Free Bet: This bonus allows players to place a wager without the risk of losing the entire amount if the bet loses. If the bet is lost, players will receive the amount wagered back in the form of site credit.
Online Sports Betting: A Risky Business
And what about online sports betting? Well, while there are no laws prohibiting citizens from placing bets on sports at offshore online bookmakers, it’s still a risky business. Any entity that takes betting action from clients is technically doing so illegally, and all parties run the risk of having their funds confiscated by government officials.
California Online Bookmakers FAQ
Is it legal to place a sports bet in California?
Currently, California lacks any legally authorized physical sports betting facilities. Nonetheless, sports enthusiasts can still participate in sports betting activities within the state. While some may opt to travel to neighboring Nevada to place wagers, an alternative option exists that eliminates the need for travel. It is worth noting that as of the present time, initiatives put forth in late 2022 aimed at legalizing sports betting in California have been dismissed by the public, and no further measures have been presented for consideration.
What options are available for individuals in California to engage in sports betting currently?
Although sportsbooks are not yet licensed in California, residents can still place bets by registering with specific platforms. Several offshore betting sites cater to Californian bettors and are discussed in detail on this page.
We recommend a number of platforms on this page that are accessible to Californian bettors for registration, login, deposit, gameplay, and withdrawal.
Does California allow horse racing betting?
In California, there are a number of horse racing tracks available for those interested in betting on horse races. These include Santa Anita Park, Del Mar Racetrack, Golden Gate Fields, and Los Alamitos Race Course. The prestigious Breeder’s Cup, regarded as one of the most significant horse races globally, is often hosted at Santa Anita Park, located just outside of Los Angeles.
Nonetheless, in recent years, several horse racing tracks have closed down, resulting in a decrease in options for live horse races for Californians.
Fortunately, there are alternative options for horse racing enthusiasts. On this page, we recommend racebooks that offer Californians the opportunity to sign up and place bets on various horse races, not just those happening at the track.
What is the expected timeline for the launch of sports betting in California?
Predicting the timeline for the launch of sports betting in California remains challenging; however, sportsbooks are anticipating the year 2024. Prior to the launch, it is imperative to introduce a new ballot measure, which requires the approval of voters. The exact launch date, subsequent to the approval of the bill, will be contingent upon the expeditious issuance of licenses by the state and the tribal casinos’ readiness to commence operations.
Is California residency a requirement for online betting?
When it comes to online sportsbooks, it is possible for non-residents to sign in and place bets. However, it is important to note that if you wish to withdraw any funds from your account, online sportsbooks must follow Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, which typically involve verifying your address.
KYC is a standard protocol that is utilized by financial institutions and businesses around the world, including online sportsbooks. Its purpose is to ensure that customers are who they claim to be, and to prevent money laundering and other financial crimes.
To comply with KYC protocols, online sportsbooks may request that you provide certain personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and address. In some cases, you may also be required to provide proof of identification, such as a passport or driver’s license.
Once your information has been verified, you will be able to withdraw your funds from your account. It is important to note that KYC protocols are in place to protect both you as the customer, as well as the online sportsbook itself. By ensuring that customers are legitimate and that funds are not being laundered, online sportsbooks are able to maintain a safe and secure environment for all users.